Our Generation Boy Swim Trunks

This is an Adoring Doll pattern that can be purchased here. I have the set that includes the boy, girl and the Wellie Wisher doll patterns. You can buy the individual pattern that I've linked or it is sold as a set.

Notes:

I use an I hook for this pattern.

To get it to fit the Our Generation Boy I need a starting chain of 46. This then changes the legs to 23.

The color change for the leg is marked for the 2nd leg not the first so the change is Row 11 stays yellow, row 12 blue, end with row 13 yellow. Again a note to self for next year actually count. I did the color change a row early and it will work but it is better with the additional row.

This is why I actually write these notes for myself. Sadly when I'm rushed I don't always read them. I did this the last time I made them and something told me I'd done it before but I read the pattern directions not my notes and I didn't follow the notes which also allows you to tighten the trunks if they are a little loose.

The original pattern calls for a piece of yarn to be tied for the trunks as if it is a tie. I decided to crochet a tie and thread it through the fpdc as this year the trunks were loser and it allowed me to tighten them just a little with the pull ties.

I mentioned in a previous post about a hat I made for the 16 inch Baby doll from a Linmary Knits pattern that you'd be seeing it again for the Our Generation Boy as I'd made a mistake and it was too large for the baby doll. When possible I try not to waste items that could be used by another doll if it is just a matter of size. When I saw this I thought it would make a great sun hat for his swim trunks. I never thought when I made the hat in July it would take me until October to get the trunks finished but they are done in the same donation year so that is a blessing.

Rag Doll Swim Suit

I've been trying to work through the bathing suit challenge for the donation on a weekly basis as time allows. This is a free Dora the Explorer pattern, Oceanside, found here that I've adapted for the Rag Doll.

Notes:

I used a J hook for the suit and this year went with a g hook for the skirt as I find it gets a bit big. I chose not to add an additional row. Not sure if I will go back to the double row next year. I kind of like both.

I continue to add the backside picture to remind myself this pattern doesn't join right away but it still works out fine. The first few times I made this it had been a year and I'd forgotten. I'm sure the first time I don't add this note I won't remember.

Lil Cutesies Swim Suit 2025

Next up on the 2025 swim suit challenge is the Lil Cutesie doll.

This was made using on of Char's patterns that can be purchased here. It has directions for both the Lil Cutesie and Lots to Love 8 inch dolls.

I used size 10 Thread Art for the main color and Artiste for the contrast. I opted to use the contrast color for the visor and shoes.

Just a note for myself the visor for the 8 inch baby doll is not the same as the Little Cutesie doll. The directions for the Lil Cutesie make a larger visor. I had to frog my first one as it was too small for the Lil Cutesie after following the wrong directions.

Notes:

I used a 1.75 mm hook for this outfit.

In Row 16 of the bottoms part B I use hdc not sc.

Ruffle I hdc in row 17 not 16. For my own notes row 17 is worked around the complete doll in the back loops. This is the row the ruffle will be added to around the doll.

I do a sc around the legs.

The back is finished with sc as part of the chain process. I mention this because I had forgotten from making this last year. I usually will finish a back even when not in the pattern.

I chained 50 for the ties.

I had to play with the visor this year for some reason to get it to fit. I also failed to note previously that the second round of chains for the shoe opening is missing and has to be added to make the shoes fit.

Lots to Love 8 Inch Baby Doll Swim Suit

Where possible I do try to give myself some variety in patterns. I have tended to use the same swim suit pattern for the Lots to Love 8 inch Baby Doll and the Lil Cutesies Doll but I remembered I had this free pattern from Amy Carrico Fun in the Sun, you can find here, and decided to try it out this year.

Notes:

I didn't have the suggested yarn but I decided to try Herrschners 2-ply Baby Yarn in what I believe is Dress Up. I didn't start with a full skein and I had plenty left over so it requires a limited amount of yarn for the project.

The pattern calls for a B hook and I found this worked well even with the change of yarn.

I followed the pattern as written. The one change I'd make for future projects is I'd make the ties for the top longer. It will make tying the top easier for little hands.

Chelsea Swim Suit

The weather this spring has been rather wet and cold. When it does warm up its been humid. What better way to change the attitude than to think of swim suit weather and so I begin my annual swim suit doll donation project.

Notes:

This is one of Char's patterns that can be purchased here.

With some adjustments this pattern will also fit Stacie so I hope to get her swim suit completed for this year as well.

I used size 20 Creative Yarn Resources I believe bright yellow and Lizbeth Tropical Punch for this project. I decided it was time to change up the colors I used for this project.

For my own records the Lizbeth came from Handy Hands as my variegated supply is getting low and I'm going to need to restock in the not too distant future.

This outfit was made using a 1.25mm thread crochet hook.

A note for future projects, I need to reduce the initial stiches for the crotch as it does not sit well between Chelsea's legs at the current width.